Politicians react to Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage

The Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of same-sex marriage Friday brought reactions from lawmakers across the country. Though many praised the decision and deemed it a step forward for the country, others decried the ruling, saying the question of same-sex marriage should be left to the individual states and their voters.

Take a look at a sampling below:

“I am extremely disappointed in the Supreme Court’s decision today. Under the United States Constitution, marriage laws have always been a matter left for the states, and Mississippians have overwhelming opposed same sex marriage time and again. The Supreme Court’s ruling not only undermines the will of the people of Mississippi and the Constitution, but tears at the very fabric of our democracy by setting an alarming precedent for the future of states’ rights.”

“I am a proud defender of traditional marriage and believe the people of each state should have the right to determine their marriage laws. However, the Supreme Court has ruled that state bans on gay marriage are unconstitutional, and I will respect the Court’s decision. Furthermore, given the quickly changing tide of public opinion on this issue, I do not believe that an attempt to amend the U.S. Constitution could possibly gain the support of three-fourths of the states or a supermajority in the U.S. Congress. Rather than pursing a divisive effort that would be doomed to fail, I am committing myself to ensuring the protection of religious liberties of all Americans.”

“While I personally support the traditional definition of marriage and believe the courts should have left this decision to the people, this ruling is now the law of the land. Going forward, it is my hope that freedom of conscience will be recognized and respected for private citizens on both sides of this issue. As a nation committed to protecting freedom of religion, we must ensure protection and tolerance for Americans to live out their religious beliefs.”

“Today’s decision by the Supreme Court is a victory for justice and equality. Ensuring marriage equality for all Americans regardless of who they love strengthens families, communities, and our nation as a whole. . . . Today, we celebrate this victory, but we must remain committed to fighting for LGBT equality. Despite the ruling today, significant work remains to ensure equal rights to the LGBT community. LGBT people are still denied work, bullied in our schools, and homelessness and poverty rates are still unacceptably high among LGBT people.”

-- Rep. Adam Scott, WA-9

“This momentous and historic decision is great news for equality in our country after decades of work. It affirms that marriage is a civil right that everyone in our country, regardless of sexual orientation, should be able to enjoy. . . . I am hopeful today’s win for equality will propel our country forward to put an end to discrimination in all forms.”

-- Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-2

“I’m proud to say that since our district and state supported the right to marry, we’ve grown stronger as a community. I hope the power of this legal decision means America will follow in that direction. We choose love, recognition, respect and equal protection under the law. This is justice.”

-- Rep. Denny Heck, WA-10

“The Supreme Court’s affirmation of same-sex couples’ Constitutional right to marry is a long overdue step that codifies a universal truth: love is love, and love should carry the same legal weight in every corner of this nation. . . . For our brothers and sisters who left us too soon, this ruling is many years late – but for all future generations, this ruling consecrates the bonds of marriage between all Americans, no matter who they love. We all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the countless advocates, plaintiffs, lawyers, judges, men and women who displayed courage and bravery over this long pursuit of marriage equality.”

-- Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, FL-23

“I am proud to live in an America in which gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people have the freedom and fundamental right to marry the man or woman they have chosen to love.”

-- Rep. Frederica Wilson, FL-24

“Our nation was founded on the basis of equal rights and today, the Supreme Court’s decision reflected our values. The ability to marry is now a right all Americans have and we no longer must wonder why one class of people has been singled out under the law. Simply put, and the majority of Americans would agree, the union of two people in marriage should not be based on gender, but on love.”

-- Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, FL-27

“I am a strong believer in traditional marriage and think the court should have respected the decision made by North Carolina’s voters in 2012. Regrettably, that is not the case. Our attention now must turn to protecting religious freedom and the right of conscience for all Americans.”

-- Rep. Patrick McHenry, NC-10

“This decision is a major step in the fight for equality, for all people. No one deserves to be discriminated against; regardless of their sexual orientation, race, gender or socioeconomic status. The LGBT rights movement has persevered to make remarkable progress, but there is still more work to be done to ensure we are combating discrimination in the workplace; stopping bullying in our schools; ending inequities in health care and eradicating homelessness among LGBT youth.”

-- Rep. Alma Adams, NC-12

“I am reminded this morning of the landmark cases of the Civil Rights era, when justice finally won out over long-standing prejudice. But we should also remember that we still have a long way to go – in many parts of the country, including North Carolina, LGBT Americans still don’t enjoy equal protection against discrimination in the workplace, in schools, by medical providers, or in public facilities. We must redouble our efforts to ensure that all of our neighbors, colleagues, friends, and family members are treated fairly under the law.”

-- Rep. David Price, NC-4

“I am disappointed by today’s Supreme Court decision on Obergefell v. Hodges, as they chose to rewrite the ancient and biblical definition of marriage and ignore the will of the states. The Constitution does not define marriage and these unelected judges exercised judicial activism by deciding what the Constitution should mean, rather than what it actually says. It should be decided by the people of the state through a democratic process; for the 10th amendment guarantees the states and people rights that are not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution.”

-- Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, GA-3

“I am disappointed in today’s Supreme Court decision. However I respect the three branches of government and the Court has rendered its decision. Many Americans, including myself, will continue to personally believe that marriage is between one man and one woman.”

-- Sen. Johnny Isakson, GA

“Like most Texans, I believe in traditional marriage, and states such as Texas should be able to define marriage based on the views of their citizens rather than a panel of unelected judges.”

-- Sen. John Cornyn, TX

“Today, love prevailed. Finally, folks in each and every state can enjoy true marriage equality. This is welcome and overdue progress for our great nation, and I am proud that all committed, loving couples will now be treated fairly under the law.”

-- Rep. Joaquin Castro, TX-20

“The American people have come to recognize that loving, committed couples should be able to marry, regardless of sexual orientation. The Supreme Court has now recognized this as well. . . . I also want to congratulate those who have worked for so many years for this cause, and the thousands of families who sought equality under law. Your perseverance and hard work are an inspiration to me and to all Americans who wish to make a difference.”

-- Sen. Dianne Feinstein, CA

“Today my heart is full of joy because the Supreme Court recognized that all Americans should be able to marry the person they love.”

-- Sen. Barbara Boxer, CA

“Today is a great day. The Court has ruled definitively on what we have known in our hearts all along – that all Americans should have the freedom to marry the person whom they love. Today’s ruling is another important step toward ensuring that no one in this country suffers discrimination because of their race, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.”

-- Rep. Lois Capps, CA-24

“I continue to believe that marriage is between one man and one woman. The Supreme Court’s overreach into decisions that should be made by states and the people living and voting in them is disappointing. Moving forward, we must ensure families and religious institutions across America are not punished for exercising their right to their own personal beliefs regarding the traditional definition of marriage.”

-- Sen. Tim Scott, SC

“I am disappointed in the court’s decision to stifle the voices of Missouri’s voters. Decisions on marriage policy should be left in the hands of the 50 states, allowing those who wish to define marriage as being between one man and one woman, as we did in Missouri, to do so. Today’s ruling tramples on the voice of the people.”

-- Rep. Vicky Hartzler, MO-4

Never miss a local story.

Sign up today for unlimited digital access to our website, apps, the digital newspaper and more.